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Car Rental Guide - Italy

Driving in Italy With A Hire Car: 

An Italian Overview: Italy, often described as a boot-shaped country, drips with history, culture, and unparalleled beauty. From the canals of Venice to the hills of Tuscany and the historical sites in Rome, Italy is a tapestry of experiences. Its diverse landscapes, renowned cuisine, and iconic landmarks make it a top destination for travelers worldwide.


Hiring a Car in Italy: Essential Know-Hows

1. Documentation: International tourists require an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country's driving license.

2. Age Restrictions: Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21, though this can vary. Drivers under 25 may also incur an additional young driver fee.

3. Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL): Many Italian cities have restricted driving zones. Ensure you're aware of these zones to avoid hefty fines.

4. Speed Limits: Typically, 130 km/h on highways (autostrade), 90 km/h on provincial roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas.


Unique Italian Driving Customs:

1. Right of Way: In cities, those on the right at intersections generally have the right of way, unless otherwise indicated.

2. Roundabouts: Vehicles within the roundabout usually have the right of way, but it's always wise to be cautious, as this isn't always observed.

3. Parking: Blue lines indicate paid parking, while white lines are for free parking. Yellow lines typically denote reserved spots.


Top Driving Routes and Recommendations:

1. Amalfi Coast (Salerno to Positano): A UNESCO-listed drive, this coastal road offers mesmerizing views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

2. The Chianti Wine Route (Florence to Siena): Drive through Tuscany's heart, exploring vineyards, medieval towns, and rolling green hills.

3. Stelvio Pass: Located in the Italian Alps, it's one of the highest mountain roads in Europe, known for its challenging bends and captivating views.

4. The Lakes Route: Drive around Italy's famous lakes - Como, Garda, and Maggiore, enjoying Alpine backdrops and serene waters.


Car Type & Weather:

1. Urban Exploration: For cities with narrow lanes, such as Venice or Florence, consider renting a compact car.

2. Countryside & Mountainous Terrains: If exploring the Alps or hilly regions, an SUV might be more appropriate.

3. Weather Considerations: Winters in northern regions can be snowy, necessitating winter tires and even snow chains. Convertibles are perfect for summer coastal drives.


First Time in Italy? Remember:

1. Italian food is regional. Pizza in Naples differs from that in Rome. 

2. The mid-afternoon siesta, or "riposo", is common, with shops often closing between 1 pm to 4 pm.

3. Learn basic Italian phrases. While many speak English, especially in tourist areas, a "Buongiorno" (Good morning) or "Grazie" (Thank you) can go a long way.


In conclusion, driving in Italy offers you the chance to experience the country's diverse landscapes and cultural riches intimately. While its roads are modern and well-maintained, it's the journey itself, filled with chance encounters, scenic vistas, and the allure of discovery, that makes renting a car in Italy truly special. Whether you're navigating the cliff-hugging roads of the Amalfi Coast or winding through the vineyards of Tuscany, the freedom of the open road in Italy is nothing short of "la dolce vita".


Cheapest car hire in Italy

Fiat Panda

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 10.91 EUR/day
Fiat Panda

7 Days rental at 76.43 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat 500

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 10.91 EUR/day
Fiat 500

7 Days rental at 76.43 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat Panda

4 Adults, 5 Doors

From 10.91 EUR/day
Fiat Panda

7 Days rental at 76.43 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Captur

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 11.88 EUR/day
Renault Captur

7 Days rental at 83.19 EUR from 22/01/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat 500L

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 11.88 EUR/day
Fiat 500L

7 Days rental at 83.19 EUR from 22/01/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Captur

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 11.88 EUR/day
Renault Captur

7 Days rental at 83.21 EUR from 22/01/2024

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Lancia Ypsilon

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 11.58 EUR/day
Lancia Ypsilon

7 Days rental at 81.08 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Lancia Ypsilon

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 11.58 EUR/day
Lancia Ypsilon

7 Days rental at 81.08 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Lancia Ypsilon

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 11.65 EUR/day
Lancia Ypsilon

7 Days rental at 81.58 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Caravelle

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 36.16 EUR/day
Volkswagen Caravelle

7 Days rental at 253.13 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Volkswagen Caravelle

7 Adults, 5 Doors

From 36.16 EUR/day
Volkswagen Caravelle

7 Days rental at 253.13 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 42.19 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series

7 Days rental at 295.33 EUR from 22/01/2024

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Nissan Qashqai

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 15.60 EUR/day
Nissan Qashqai

7 Days rental at 109.20 EUR from 22/01/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 16.83 EUR/day
Alfa Romeo Giulietta

7 Days rental at 117.82 EUR from 22/01/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 16.95 EUR/day
Alfa Romeo Giulietta

7 Days rental at 118.69 EUR from 22/01/2024

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Hyundai Kona Electric

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 19.34 EUR/day
Hyundai Kona Electric

7 Days rental at 135.38 EUR from 22/01/2024

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Renault Zoe

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 13.17 EUR/day
Renault Zoe

7 Days rental at 92.25 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Fiat 500

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 33.01 EUR/day
Fiat 500

7 Days rental at 231.12 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Fiat Panda Hybrid

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 11.65 EUR/day
Fiat Panda Hybrid

7 Days rental at 81.58 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat Panda Hybrid

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 13.84 EUR/day
Fiat Panda Hybrid

7 Days rental at 96.88 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat Panda Hybrid

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 13.84 EUR/day
Fiat Panda Hybrid

7 Days rental at 96.88 EUR from 22/01/2024

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in Italy

  • Watch your speed, Italy is hot on speeding and has extensive fixed and mobile speed cameras across the road network
  • Drive on the RIGHT, the steering wheel on your rental car will be on the LEFT
  • Don’t rush, Italy has some of the finest roads and countryside in the world, take your time and enjoy them
  • There are 15 car rental agents in Italy including big brands like Alamo, Budget, Europcar and Sixt
  • The best time to hire a car is 4-12 weeks before you travel, you'll get the widest range and cheapest prices
 

Popular car hire destinations in Italy

Laws and rules of the road when driving in Italy

  •  

    R

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    50kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    90kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    130kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    EUR  1.99/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    50mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    EUR €

    Currency

  •  

    YES

    Tolls

  •  

    21

    Min Rental Age

    18

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Compare car rental agents in Italy

Rental Agent
Locations
Rating (/10)
Customer Reviews
Mini (€/day)
Compact (€/day)
Intermediate (€/day)
Standard (€/day)
 Alamo
45
8.8/10
13,067
€ 27.35
€ 28.21
€ 102.82
 Locauto
92
8.8/10
47,395
€ 11.10
€ 14.05
€ 27.16
€ 45.42
 Sixt
38
8.5/10
9,197
€ 37.28
€ 45.19
€ 24.14
€ 22.42
 Dollar
79
8.3/10
19,196
€ 27.42
€ 27.91
 Budget
126
8.2/10
39,735
€ 25.38
€ 26.86
€ 26.34
€ 62.02
 Avis
194
8.2/10
28,673
€ 25.55
€ 26.34
€ 27.14
€ 153.38
 Sicily by car
50
8.1/10
26,688
€ 18.69
€ 22.09
€ 28.64
€ 149.90
 Hertz
196
8.1/10
77,730
€ 31.37
€ 30.71
€ 35.71
 Maggiore
133
8.1/10
53,656
€ 20.58
€ 25.76
€ 31.72
€ 62.00
 Europcar
144
8.1/10
107,755
€ 22.85
€ 28.41
€ 45.88
€ 92.43
 Keddy by europcar
42
8.1/10
8,163
€ 19.06
€ 24.14
€ 104.06
 Drivalia
83
7.8/10
69,074
€ 22.69
€ 25.75
€ 29.54
 Ecovia
45
7.7/10
14,217
€ 12.59
€ 15.97
€ 18.85
€ 109.18
 Noleggiare
38
7.6/10
21,009
€ 20.32
€ 27.80
€ 34.79
€ 60.47
 Surprice
22
7.2/10
10,748
€ 13.71
€ 15.49
€ 19.16
€ 104.98

Car rental agent statistics in Italy

  • Highest Rated Agent Icon
    9.9/10
    Highest rated agent:
    LOCAUTO
  • Lowest Rated Agent Icon
    6.4/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    B-RENT
  • Total Number of Reviews Icon
    579,266
    Total number of reviews in
    Italy
  • Most Locations Icon
    187
    Most Locations in Italy:
    HERTZ
  • Average Wait Time Icon
    18
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • Total Rental Companies Icon
    40
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in Italy

ItemPercent
January€ 64
February€ 58
March€ 65
April€ 68
May€ 75
June€ 84
July€ 101
August€ 105
September€ 85
October€ 61
November€ 60
December€ 77
ItemPercent
January€ 50
February€ 48
March€ 54
April€ 57
May€ 62
June€ 67
July€ 82
August€ 86
September€ 69
October€ 49
November€ 50
December€ 63
ItemPercent
January€ 139
February€ 134
March€ 150
April€ 161
May€ 169
June€ 174
July€ 190
August€ 218
September€ 164
October€ 132
November€ 135
December€ 152
ItemPercent
January€ 99
February€ 91
March€ 97
April€ 104
May€ 111
June€ 125
July€ 139
August€ 143
September€ 118
October€ 88
November€ 96
December€ 117
ItemPercent
January€ 179
February€ 196
March€ 216
April€ 222
May€ 229
June€ 201
July€ 239
August€ 225
September€ 188
October€ 179
November€ 166
December€ 180
ItemPercent
January€ 40
February€ 37
March€ 43
April€ 49
May€ 53
June€ 59
July€ 74
August€ 77
September€ 59
October€ 42
November€ 42
December€ 49
ItemPercent
January€ 166
February€ 149
March€ 137
April€ 161
May€ 159
June€ 178
July€ 201
August€ 218
September€ 182
October€ 162
November€ 159
December€ 176
ItemPercent
January€ 69
February€ 57
March€ 79
April€ 84
May€ 84
June€ 114
July€ 168
August€ 154
September€ 111
October€ 102
November€ 113
December€ 89

Select category to see average car hire prices in Italy

*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in Italy

DieselUnleaded
Dec , 2022

€ 1.83

€ 1.75

Jan , 2023

€ 1.86

€ 1.80

Feb , 2023

€ 1.88

€ 1.87

Mar , 2023

€ 1.82

€ 1.86

Apr , 2023

€ 1.80

€ 1.85

May , 2023

€ 1.65

€ 1.80

Jun , 2023

€ 1.67

€ 1.83

Jul , 2023

€ 1.69

€ 1.85

Aug , 2023

€ 1.82

€ 1.93

Sep , 2023

€ 1.94

€ 2.00

Oct , 2023

€ 1.94

€ 1.99

Nov , 2023

€ 1.79

€ 1.81

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Nov , 2023 1.79 1.81
Oct , 2023 1.94 1.99
Sep , 2023 1.94 2.00
Aug , 2023 1.82 1.93
Jul , 2023 1.69 1.85
Jun , 2023 1.67 1.83
May , 2023 1.65 1.80
Apr , 2023 1.80 1.85
Mar , 2023 1.82 1.86
Feb , 2023 1.88 1.87
Jan , 2023 1.86 1.80
Dec , 2022 1.83 1.75

Car rental price statistics in Italy

  • Average Price Icon
    € 77.70
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • Highest Daily Price Icon
    € 1394.20
    Highest daily price:
    Mercedes Vito Traveliner
  • Total Vehicles Icon
    14,905
    Total cars available
     
  • Most Popular Car Model Icon
    865
    Most popular model:
    Fiat Panda
  • Locations with Most Cars Icon
    325
    Location with most cars:
    Rome - Airport - Fiumicino
  • Cheapest Daily Price Icon
    € 11.1 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    LOCAUTO - Alghero - Airport - Fertilia
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Wherever you are going in Italy we are confident you will find a suitable location from which to hire a car. 

Other car hire locations in Italy

Not forgetting Sardinia which is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a mountainous island with several large coastal plains and exhibits a Mediterranean climate all year round and car hire locations on the island of Sardinia include: -

Other Car Hire Locations in Italy

We specialise in car rentals throughout Italy to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Naples
€14.1
 
 
Economy 5 5 2 from €9.9 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €14.1 per day
Mini 3 4 1 from €9.9 per day
Rome
€14.1
 
 
Economy 5 5 2 from €9.9 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €14.1 per day
Mini 3 4 1 from €9.9 per day
Turin
€23.5
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €15.9 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €23.5 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €15.9 per day
Milan
€14.1
 
 
Economy 5 5 2 from €9.9 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €14.1 per day
Mini 3 4 1 from €9.9 per day